Casper Ruud's quest for a Monte-Carlo Masters title was abruptly halted when he had to retire from the match due to a calf injury, granting Felix Auger-Aliassime a walkover into the quarter-finals.
Ranked 12th in the world, Ruud was forced to leave the court during the second set tie at 2-2 after battling through severe discomfort in his right leg.
The unexpected turn of events raises concerns over Ruud's fitness leading into the upcoming clay-court events in Madrid and Rome, including the Roland Garros Grand Slam.
Auger-Aliassime's promising start to the 2026 clay court season sees him progress to the quarter-finals, where he will face world No. 2 Jannik Sinner in a highly anticipated matchup.
